Hundreds of school children enjoyed Advent Adventures workshops at churches in Falmouth, Penryn and the surrounding villages.

The festive celebrations included 350 pupils, aged five to eight, partaking in a series of activities ranging from crafting Christmas wreaths, dressing up as nativity characters and making baubles.

These annual workshops took place in five different church buildings and involved nine schools across 13 sessions.

The initiative is steered by Jane Wheeler, schools and families lead in Carnmarth South Deanery, and a sizeable force of volunteers.

Biscuits and refreshments were on the menu as the events came to a delightful end.

Falmouth Packet: The festive celebrations included 350 pupils, aged five to eight, partaking in a series of

Advent Adventures began two years ago and it's evident that they're rapidly gaining popularity amongst schools.

Initially, Ms. Wheeler only teamed up with two schools, King Charles and St Francis, both located in Falmouth.

Last year, five schools jumped on board the festive train, and this year saw further expansion with a total of nine schools partaking, including Flushing, Mawnan, Mabe, Marlborough, and Penryn Primary.

Ms. Wheeler, a teacher, said: "I understand what schools need in terms of the curriculum as well as the stresses on teachers.

"This sort of thing is a good learning experience and is also great fun and that’s why its successful."

She continued: "We talk about the Christmas Wreath and the colour change in altar tablecloth to purple, we also tell the Christmas story".

A teacher at Flushing School, Zoe Mitchell, added: "We try to come to the church a couple of times a year.

"The children recognise it’s a special place and its good for them to meet and work with people in their local community.

"We are working on the Nativity as part of the RE curriculum and coming to the church for this workshop helps with that."

The workshops are the cornerstone of Carnmarth South’s deanery plan, aimed at fostering ties with children, young people, families, and schools.

Ms. Wheeler concluded: "Relationship building is really the key thing.

"It is good for the churches and it’s also good for the children and schools."